U.S. patent number 10,219,432 [Application Number 14/691,943] was granted by the patent office on 2019-03-05 for grass cutter.
This patent grant is currently assigned to KUBOTA CORPORATION. The grantee listed for this patent is KUBOTA CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Yusuke Shoji.
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United States Patent |
10,219,432 |
Shoji |
March 5, 2019 |
Grass cutter
Abstract
A grass cutter is provided with a duct which extends in a
conveyance direction of grass clippings and has a conveyance path
for the grass clippings formed inside of the duct; and a duct
opening/closing lid provided with a turning shaft which is disposed
on the outer side of the duct, and a closing plate which is
turnable around the axis of the turning shaft and opens and closes
the conveyance path by turning.
Inventors: |
Shoji; Yusuke (Osaka,
JP) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KUBOTA CORPORATION |
Osaka |
N/A |
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
KUBOTA CORPORATION (Osaka,
JP)
|
Family
ID: |
57146592 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/691,943 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2015 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20160309649 A1 |
Oct 27, 2016 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01D
34/71 (20130101); A01D 43/063 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A01D
67/00 (20060101); A01D 34/71 (20060101); A01D
43/063 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;56/320.2 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Will; Thomas B
Assistant Examiner: Nguyen; Mai T
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Greenblum & Bernstein,
P.L.C.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A grass cutter comprising: a duct extending in a conveyance
direction of grass clippings and having a conveyance path for the
grass clippings formed inside the duct; a side wall opening formed
on a side wall of the duct; a duct opening/closing lid comprising:
a turning shaft extending outside of and along an outer surface of
the duct; a closing plate disposed within the conveyance path
inside the duct; the closing plate being turnable around an axis of
the turning shaft to selectively move the closing plate between an
open position and a closed position to open and close the
conveyance path, respectively; the closing plate comprising: a
first side end proximate the axis of the turning shaft; and a
second side end more greatly spaced than the first side end from
the axis of the turning shaft; the second side end of the closing
plate being positioned within the duct in both the open position
and the closed position of the closing plate; and a fixation
portion fixed to the turning shaft, the fixation portion extending
through the side wall opening from inside the duct to outside the
duct.
2. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the turning
shaft is disposed substantially perpendicular to the conveyance
direction for the grass clippings.
3. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 2, wherein: the side wall
covers the conveyance path from a lateral side; and the turning
shaft is disposed along an outer face of the side wall.
4. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the side wall
covers the conveyance path from a lateral side; and the turning
shaft is disposed along an outer face of the side wall.
5. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the duct
includes a bottom wall covering the conveyance path from a lower
side; and the closing plate is disposed in such a manner that a
lower end of the closing plate is separated from an inner face of
the bottom wall when the conveyance path is closed by the closing
plate.
6. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein: an upper end of
the closing plate is bent in a direction opposite to the conveyance
direction of the grass clippings when the conveyance path is closed
by the closing plate.
7. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a
link mechanism configured to turn the closing plate.
8. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 7, wherein: the turning
shaft is turnable around the axis of the turning shaft; the closing
plate is coupled to the turning shaft so as to turn in conjunction
with turning of the turning shaft; and the link mechanism is
coupled to the turning shaft.
9. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 8, wherein: the duct
includes a bottom wall inclined with respect to a horizontal
direction; and the turning shaft is substantially perpendicular to
the bottom wall.
10. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 9, wherein: the link
mechanism is coupled to a lower end of the turning shaft.
11. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 8, wherein: the link
mechanism includes a coupling member fixed to the turning shaft; an
operation unit is coupled to the coupling member, the operation
unit being movable to allow the coupling member to turn around the
axis of the turning shaft.
12. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 11, wherein: the operation
unit is configured to reciprocate in a right-left direction.
13. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 11, wherein: the link
mechanism includes a biasing unit directly or indirectly applying a
biasing force to the closing plate so that the closing plate is
maintained with the conveyance path open.
14. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 11, wherein: the link
mechanism includes a lock mechanism directly or indirectly locking
the closing plate so that the closing plate is maintained with the
conveyance path closed.
15. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 11, wherein: the link
mechanism comprises: a biasing unit biasing the operation unit so
that the closing plate is maintained with the conveyance path open;
and a lock mechanism locking the operation unit so that the closing
plate is maintained with the conveyance path closed.
16. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 15, wherein: the lock
mechanism comprises: a first lock member formed on the operation
unit; and a second lock member abutting against the first lock
member when the conveyance path is closed by the closing plate to
prevent movement of the operation unit in a biasing direction
caused by the biasing unit.
17. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 16, wherein: the second
lock member is formed in a plate-like shape having faces
perpendicular to a movement direction of the operation unit and
includes a through hole allowing the first lock member to pass from
one face side to the other face side of the second lock member when
the operation unit moves.
18. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 11, wherein: the operation
unit is disposed in a manner to align a longitudinal direction of
the operation unit with a right-left direction and includes a
grasping portion formed on an outer side in the right-left
direction.
19. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 18, wherein: the link
mechanism turns the closing plate so as to open the conveyance path
by the closing plate when the operation unit moves in a first
direction for separating the grasping portion from the duct, and
turns the closing plate so as to close the conveyance path by the
closing plate when the operation unit moves in a second direction
opposite to the first direction.
20. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 18, wherein: the grasping
portion extends in a direction orthogonal to a movement direction
of the operation unit.
21. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein: an entirety of
the turning shaft is positioned outside of the outer surface of the
duct.
22. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the duct
includes a flat side; and the axis of the turning shaft is parallel
to the flat side of the duct.
23. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the closing
plate is fixed to the turning shaft for movement with the turning
shaft between the open and closed positions.
24. A grass cutter comprising: a duct extending in a conveyance
direction of grass clippings and having a conveyance path for the
grass clippings formed inside the duct; a duct opening/closing lid
comprising: a turning shaft extending outside of and along an outer
surface of the duct; a closing plate disposed within the conveyance
path inside the duct; the closing plate being turnable around an
axis of the turning shaft to selectively move the closing plate
between an open position and a closed position to open and close
the conveyance path, respectively; a side wall opening formed on a
side wall of the duct; the closing plate including a fixation
portion that is fixed to the turning shaft, the fixation portion
extending through the side wall opening from inside the duct to
outside the duct.
25. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 24, wherein: the side wall
opening has a continuous periphery in the side wall of the
duct.
26. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 24, wherein: the fixation
portion of the closing plate is affixed to the turning shaft
outside the duct.
27. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 24, wherein: the closing
plate is fixed to the turning shaft for movement with the turning
shaft between the open and closed positions.
28. The grass cutter as claimed in claim 24, wherein: the side wall
opening is an elongated opening through the side wall of the duct;
the fixation portion of the closing plate is a bent portion of the
plate that is bent in relation to a remainder portion of the plate,
the remainder portion of the plate being contained inside the duct;
and the fixation portion of the closing plate extends from the
remainder portion of the plate and through the elongated opening
through the side wall of the duct.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The disclosure relates to a grass cutter provided with a duct and a
duct opening/closing lid.
BACKGROUND ART
JP 4005611 B1 discloses a grass cutter (lawn cutter) capable of
switching between a grass collecting mode (bagging mode) for
collecting grass clippings cut by rotary blades (cutting blades)
housed in a mower deck into a grass collector through a duct and a
mulching mode for discharging grass clippings cut by the rotary
blades to the lower side of the mower deck. In the grass cutter, a
duct opening/closing lid (shutter) is disposed on a conveyance path
formed inside the duct (a passage opening between the mower deck
and the duct). The duct opening/closing lid is provided with a
turning shaft which extends in the up-down direction in adjacent to
the inner face of a side wall of the duct and a closing plate
(shutter member) which has a swing base end attached to the turning
shaft and opens and closes the conveyance path by swing operation.
The opening degree of the conveyance path is adjusted by the duct
opening/closing lid having such a configuration.
However, since a turning shaft is disposed inside a duct (on a
conveyance path for grass clippings) in a conventional grass
cutter, the turning shaft obstructs the conveyance of grass
clippings, which disadvantageously causes grass clogging.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The object of the disclosure is to provide a grass cutter capable
of preventing the occurrence of grass clogging and also capable of
opening and closing a conveyance path formed inside a duct.
One aspect of the disclosure provides a grass cutter comprising: a
duct extending in a conveyance direction of grass clippings and
having a conveyance path for the grass clippings formed inside the
duct; and a duct opening/closing lid provided with a turning shaft
disposed on an outer side of the duct and a closing plate turnable
around an axis of the turning shaft, the closing plate opening and
closing the conveyance path by turning.
This configuration makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of
grass clogging and also open and close the conveyance path formed
inside the duct.
According to a preferred embodiment of the grass cutter, the
turning shaft is disposed substantially perpendicular to the
conveyance direction for grass clippings.
This configuration makes it possible to easily allow the closing
plate to be substantially perpendicular to the conveyance direction
of grass clippings. Accordingly, it is possible to easily block
grass clippings conveyed rearward.
According to a preferred embodiment of the grass cutter, the duct
includes a side wall covering the conveyance path from a lateral
side, and the turning shaft is disposed along an outer face of the
side wall.
This configuration makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of
grass clogging.
According to a preferred embodiment of the grass cutter, the duct
includes a bottom wall covering the conveyance path from a lower
side, and the closing plate is disposed in such a manner that a
lower end of the closing plate is separated from an inner face of
the bottom wall when the conveyance path is closed by the closing
plate.
This configuration makes it possible to return grass clippings that
have been conveyed to the rear side (conveyance direction side) of
the closing plate and remained on the rear side to the front side
(opposite side of the conveyance direction) through a gap between
the lower end of the closing plate and the inner face of the bottom
wall. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of
grass clogging and also allow the closing plate to smoothly
turn.
According to a preferred embodiment of the grass cutter, an upper
end of the closing plate is bent in a direction opposite to the
conveyance direction of the grass clippings when the conveyance
path is closed by the closing plate.
This configuration makes it possible to actively guide grass
clippings in a direction opposite to the conveyance direction when
the conveyance path is closed by the closing plate.
According to a preferred embodiment of the grass cutter, the crass
cutter is further provided with a link mechanism turning the
closing plate.
This configuration makes it possible to open and close the
conveyance path by the closing plate by turning the closing plate
by the link mechanism.
According to a preferred embodiment of the grass cutter, the
turning shaft is turnable around the axis of the turning shaft, the
closing plate is coupled to the turning shaft so as to turn in
conjunction with turn of the turning shaft, and the link mechanism
is coupled to the turning shaft.
This configuration makes it possible to turn the closing plate by
turning the turning shaft by the link mechanism. Further, since the
link mechanism is coupled to the turning shaft disposed on the
outer side of the duct, it is possible to easily dispose the link
mechanism.
According to a preferred embodiment of the grass cutter, the duct
includes a bottom wall inclined with respect to a horizontal
direction, and the turning shaft is disposed substantially
perpendicular to the bottom wall.
This configuration makes it possible to prevent grass clippings
from being accumulated on the bottom wall of the duct to cause
grass clogging. Further, it is possible to prevent the closing
plate from being caught in grass clippings accumulated on the
bottom wall to obstruct smooth turn of the closing plate.
According to a preferred embodiment of the grass cutter, the link
mechanism is coupled to a lower end of the turning shaft.
This configuration makes it possible to easily dispose the link
mechanism.
According to a preferred embodiment of the grass cutter, the link
mechanism includes a coupling member fixed to the turning shaft,
and an operation unit coupled to the coupling member, the operation
unit moving to allow the coupling member to turn around the axis of
the turning shaft.
This configuration makes it possible to turn the closing plate to
open and close the conveyance path by moving the operation
unit.
According to a preferred embodiment of the grass cutter, the
operation unit reciprocates in a right-left direction.
This configuration makes it possible to turn the closing plate to
open and close the conveyance path by reciprocating the operation
unit in the right-left direction. Further, since an operator can
operate the operation unit from the lateral side of the grass
cutter, it is possible to easily operate the operation unit.
According to a preferred embodiment of the grass cutter, the link
mechanism includes a biasing unit directly or indirectly applying a
biasing force to the closing plate so that the closing plate is
maintained with the conveyance path open.
This configuration makes it possible to maintain the closing plate
with the conveyance path open by the closing plate without
constantly applying force to the operation unit by an operator.
According to a preferred embodiment of the grass cutter, the link
mechanism includes a lock mechanism directly or indirectly locking
the closing plate so that the closing plate is maintained with the
conveyance path closed.
This configuration makes it possible to maintain the closing plate
with the conveyance path closed by the closing plate without
constantly applying force to the operation unit by an operator.
According to a preferred embodiment of the grass cutter, the link
mechanism includes a biasing unit biasing the operation unit so
that the closing plate is maintained with the conveyance path open,
and a lock mechanism locking the operation unit so that the closing
plate is maintained with the conveyance path closed.
This configuration makes it possible to maintain the closing plate
with the conveyance path open by the closing plate without
constantly applying force to the operation unit by an operator.
Further it is possible to maintain the closing plate with the
conveyance path closed by the closing plate without constantly
applying force to the operation unit by an operator.
According to a preferred embodiment of the grass cutter, the lock
mechanism includes a first lock member formed on the operation
unit, and a second lock member abutting against the first lock
member when the conveyance path is closed by the closing plate to
prevent movement of the operation unit in a biasing direction
caused by the biasing unit.
This configuration makes it possible to maintain the closing plate
with the conveyance path closed by the closing plate without
constantly applying force to the operation unit by an operator.
According to a preferred embodiment of the grass cutter, the second
lock member is formed in a plate-like shape whose faces are
perpendicular to a movement direction of the operation unit and
includes a through hole allowing the first lock member to pass from
one face side to the other face side of the second lock member when
the operation unit moves.
This configuration makes it possible to allow the first lock member
to abut against the second lock member to prevent the operation
unit from moving in the biasing direction without a complicated
operation of the operation unit.
According to a preferred embodiment of the grass cutter, the
operation unit is disposed in a manner to align a longitudinal
direction of the operation unit with a right-left direction and
includes a grasping portion on an outer side in the right-left
direction.
This configuration enables an operator to operate the operation
unit from the lateral side of the grass cutter. Therefore, it is
possible to easily operate the operation unit.
According to a preferred embodiment of the grass cutter, the link
mechanism turns the closing plate so as to open the conveyance path
by the closing plate when the operation unit moves in a first
direction for separating the grasping portion from the duct, and
turns the closing plate so as to close the conveyance path by the
closing plate when the operation unit moves in a second direction
opposite to the first direction.
This configuration enables an image of the movement direction of
the operation unit to easily match an image of the opening/closing
of the conveyance path. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an
operator from operating the operation unit in a wrong
direction.
According to a preferred embodiment of the grass cutter, the
grasping portion extends in a direction orthogonal to a movement
direction of the operation unit.
This configuration enables an operator to easily grasp the
operation unit. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the
operability of the operation unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a grass cutter which is an
example of the disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a bottom view illustrating a mower;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG.
2;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG.
2;
FIG. 5 is a rear upper perspective view illustrating a duct, a duct
opening/closing lid, a link mechanism and the like;
FIG. 6 is a left rear perspective view illustrating the link
mechanism and the like;
FIG. 7 is a view illustrating the duct, the duct opening/closing
lid, the link mechanism and the like viewed from a direction
opposite to a conveyance direction of grass clippings;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the link
mechanism;
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the link mechanism
when a conveyance path is closed by a closing plate;
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 4;
and
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view when the conveyance path is
closed by the closing plate.
First, the entire configuration of the grass cutter 1 will be
described with reference to FIG. 1.
The grass cutter 1 is a working vehicle capable of cutting grass
(lawn) while traveling. The grass cutter 1 is mainly provided with
a traveling machine body 2, a pair of right and left front wheels
3, a pair of right and left rear wheels 4, an engine 5, a driver
seat 6, a handle 7, a power transmission mechanism 8, a mower link
mechanism 9, a mower 10, a duct 20, a duct opening/closing lid 30,
a link mechanism 40, and a grass collector 50.
The front part of the traveling machine body 2 is supported by the
pair of right and left front wheels 3. The rear part of the
traveling machine body 2 is supported by the pair of right and left
rear wheels 4. The engine 5 is disposed in the front part of the
traveling machine body 2. The driver seat 6 on which an operator
sits is disposed in a front-rear intermediate part of the traveling
machine body 2. The handle 7 is disposed in front of the driver
seat 6.
The power transmission mechanism 8, the mower link mechanism 9, and
the mower 10 are disposed under the traveling machine body 2. A
control lever (not illustrated) is disposed beside the driver seat
6. The mower link mechanism 9 is coupled to the mower 10. The
control lever is coupled to the mower link mechanism 9.
The mower 10 is used for performing a grass-cutting operation using
the power of the engine 5. The mower 10 is attached to the
traveling machine body 2 through the mower link mechanism 9. The
power transmission mechanism 8 couples the engine 5 and the mower
10 to each other, and transmits the power of the engine 5 to the
mower 10. The duct 20 is disposed behind the mower 10 in
communication with the mower 10. The grass collector 50 is disposed
behind the duct 20 in communication with the duct 20. Grass
clippings cut by the mower 10 pass through the duct 20 and are then
collected into the grass collector 50.
The duct opening/closing lid 30 is disposed in an intermediate part
in the front-rear direction of the duct 20. The duct
opening/closing lid 30 opens and closes the duct 20. The link
mechanism 40 is coupled to the duct opening/closing lid 30. The
link mechanism 40 is disposed outside the duct 20.
An operator can perform a grass-cutting operation (lawn-cutting
operation) by driving the mower 10. Further, an operator can adjust
the position in the up-down direction of the mower 10 by operating
the control lever.
Further, an operator can open and close the duct 20 by the duct
opening/closing lid 30 by operating the link mechanism 40. Grass
clippings can be collected into the grass collector 50 through the
duct 20 by opening the duct 20. On the other hand, grass clippings
can be discharged to the lower side of the mower 10 by closing the
duct 20.
Next, the configuration of the mower 10 will be described with
reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.
The mower 10 is a working machine which cuts grass growing under
the mower 10 so as to have a predetermined length (height). The
mower 10 is disposed at substantially the center of the traveling
machine body 2 as well as under the traveling machine body 2. The
mower 10 is mainly provided with a mower deck 11, a pair of right
and left rotary blades 12, and a pair of right and left fans
13.
The mower deck 11 forms a main structure of the mower 10. The mower
deck 11 is formed in a bilaterally symmetrical shape, specifically,
a generally laterally-facing "eight" shape in plan view. The mower
deck 11 is provided with upper and side wall surfaces. The mower
deck 11 is open downward. That is, the mower deck 11 is formed in a
generally eight-like box shape open downward in plan view. A duct
communication portion 11a is formed on the mower deck 11.
The duct communication portion 11a communicates with the duct 20
(described below). The duct communication portion 11a is formed in
a generally rectangular tubular shape obliquely extending upward
and rearward from the upper face of the mower deck 11. The duct
communication portion 11a is formed at a central position in the
right-left direction of the mower deck 11.
The rotary blades 12 are used for cutting grass and, at the same
time, generating carrier air for conveying the cut grass clippings
rearward by being driven to rotate. Each of the rotary blades 12 is
formed in a generally rectangular plate-like shape. The rotary
blades 12 are housed inside the mower deck 11. The rotary blades 12
are disposed on the right and left sides of the mower deck 11.
The fans 13 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 generate carrier air for
conveying grass clipping rearward. The fans 13 are placed on the
upper face of the mower deck 11 on the right and left sides of the
mower deck 11. Each of the fans 13 is disposed in a manner to align
the axis of the fan 13 with the axis of the corresponding each of
the rotary blades 12.
Next, the configuration of the duct 20 will be described with
reference to FIGS. 2 to 8 and 10.
The duct 20 conveys grass clippings cut by the rotary blades 12
rearward. The duct 20 is mainly provided with a mower side duct 21,
a grass collector side duct 22, and a guide member 23.
The mower side duct 21 forms the front part (the part located
closer to the mower deck 11) of the duct 20. The mower side duct 21
is a hollow member which extends in a conveyance direction of grass
clippings (obliquely extends upward and rearward). The mower side
duct 21 is formed in a generally rectangular tubular shape. The
front end of the mower side duct 21 communicates with the rear end
of the duct communication portion 11a of the mower deck 11. The
mower side duct 21 is provided with an upper wall 211, a bottom
wall 212, right and left side walls 213, first openings 214, a
second opening 215, a first support 216, and a second support
217.
The upper wall 211 is a plate-like portion which forms the upper
part of the mower side duct 21. The upper wall 211 obliquely
extends upward and rearward from a position near the rear end of an
upper wall of the duct communication portion 11a.
The bottom wall 212 is a plate-like portion which forms the bottom
part of the mower side duct 21. The bottom wall 212 is inclined
with respect to the horizontal direction so as to obliquely extend
from the lower-front side toward the upper-rear side.
The side walls 213 are plate-like portions which form the right and
left side parts of the mower side duct 21. The side walls 213
couple the upper wall 211 and the bottom wall 212 to each other on
their right and left ends. The side walls 213 are substantially
parallel to the front-rear direction. The side walls 213 are formed
at positions facing the respective fans 13.
The first openings 214 illustrated in FIG. 4 are used for
introducing carrier air generated by the fans 13 into the duct 20.
The first openings 214 are formed on the respective right and left
side walls 213 of the mower side duct 21. The first openings 214
penetrate the respective side walls 213 in the right-left
direction. Each of the first openings 214 is formed in a generally
rectangular shape by notching the lower end of the corresponding
side wall 213 upward.
The second opening 215 illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 is formed on
the right side wall 213 of the mower side duct 21. The second
opening 215 has a continuous periphery in the exemplary showing in
the drawings and, more specifically, the opening is formed in a
generally rectangular shape in side view. The second opening 215 is
formed in a manner to align the longitudinal direction of the
second opening 215 with a direction substantially perpendicular to
the bottom wall 212 of the mower side duct 21. The second opening
215 penetrates the right side wall 213 in the right-left direction.
The second opening 215 is formed near the rear end of the mower
side duct 21.
The first support 216 illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5, and 7 supports the
upper end of a turning shaft 31 (described below). The first
support 216 is formed in an L plate-like shape. The first support
216 is disposed in such a manner that one face of the first support
216 is substantially parallel to the bottom wall 212 of the mower
side duct 21. The first support 216 is disposed on the outer face
of the right side wall 213 of the mower side duct 21. The first
support 216 is disposed near the upper end of the second opening
215.
The second support 217 illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8 supports the
lower end of the turning shaft 31 (described below). The second
support 217 is formed in a plate-like shape projecting rightward
from the lower end of the right side wall 213 of the mower side
duct 21. The second support 217 is parallel to the bottom wall 212
of the mower side duct 21. The second support 217 is disposed near
the lower end of the second opening 215.
The grass collector side duct 22 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 forms
the rear part (the part located closer to the grass collector 50)
of the duct 20. The grass collector side duct 22 is a hollow member
which extends in the conveyance direction of grass clippings. The
grass collector side duct 22 is formed in a generally rectangular
tubular shape. The front end of the grass collector side duct 22
communicates with the rear end of the mower side duct 21. The grass
collector side duct 22 is provided with an upper wall 221, a bottom
wall 222, and side walls 223.
The upper wall 221 is a plate-like portion which forms the upper
part of the grass collector side duct 22. The upper wall 221
obliquely extends upward and rearward from a position near the rear
end of the upper wall 211 of the mower side duct 21.
The bottom wall 222 is a plate-like portion which forms the bottom
part of the grass collector side duct 22. The bottom wall 222 is
inclined with respect to the horizontal direction so as to
obliquely extend upward and rearward from a position near the rear
end of the bottom wall 212 of the mower side duct 21. The front
part of the bottom wall 222 is substantially parallel to the bottom
wall 212 of the mower side duct 21.
The side walls 223 are plate-like portions which form the right and
left side parts of the grass collector side duct 22. The side walls
223 couple the upper wall 221 and the bottom wall 222 to each other
on their right and left ends. The side walls 223 are substantially
parallel to the front-rear direction.
As described above, the duct 20 is formed in a rectangular tubular
shape obliquely extending upward and rearward by the upper wall
211, the bottom wall 212 and the side walls 213 of the mower side
duct 21, and the upper wall 221, the bottom wall 222 and the side
walls 223 of the grass collector side duct 22. A conveyance path
for grass clippings is formed inside the duct 20 having such a
configuration. That is, the upper wall 211 of the mower side duct
21 and the upper wall 221 of the grass collector side duct 22 cover
the conveyance path for grass clippings from the upper side. The
bottom wall 212 of the mower side duct 21 and the bottom wall 222
of the grass collector side duct 22 cover the conveyance path for
grass clippings from the lower side. The side walls 213 of the
mower side duct 21 and the side walls 223 of the grass collector
side duct 22 cover the conveyance path for grass clippings from the
lateral sides. The conveyance path for grass clippings is inclined
by approximately 45.degree. with respect to the horizontal
direction near the communication part between the mower side duct
21 and the grass collector side duct 22 (near a position at which
the duct opening/closing lid 30 (described below) is disposed).
The guide member 23 illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, and 10 is a member
for guiding carrier air generated by the rotary blades 12 and
carrier air generated by the fans 13 in the conveyance direction of
the grass clippings. The guide member 23 is formed in a generally
triangular prism shape. The guide member 23 is disposed in such a
manner that triangular faces of the triangular prism (the bottom
faces of the triangular prism) face the right and left directions.
The guide member 23 is disposed at a central position in the
right-left direction inside the mower deck 11. The lower part of
each of the triangular faces of the triangular prism is notched
toward the center in the right-left direction so as to prevent
contact with the rotary blades 12 (refer to FIGS. 2 and 3). The
guide member 23 is formed in such a manner that the upper face of
the guide member 23 obliquely extends downward and forward in
continuous with the lower end part of the bottom wall 212 of the
mower side duct 21. The upper face of the guide member 23 is
substantially parallel to the bottom wall 212.
Next, the configuration of the duct opening/closing lid 30 will be
described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8, 10, and 11. Hereinbelow,
a state in which the duct 20 is open by the duct opening/closing
lid 30 will be described.
The duct opening/closing lid 30 opens and closes the duct 20.
Specifically, the duct opening/closing lid 30 opens and closes the
conveyance path for grass clippings formed inside the duct 20
(hereinbelow, referred to as "opening and closing the duct 20").
The duct opening/closing lid 30 is provided with the turning shaft
31 and a closing plate 32.
The turning shaft 31 serves as a turning center of the closing
plate 32 (described below). The turning shaft 31 is disposed in a
manner to align the axis of the turning shaft 31 with an oblique
direction extending from the upper-front side toward the lower-rear
side as well as to be substantially perpendicular to the conveyance
direction of grass clippings. The turning shaft 31 is disposed on
the outer side of the duct 20. Specifically, the turning shaft 31
is disposed along the outer face of the right side wall 213 of the
mower side duct 21. The turning shaft 31 is disposed near the rear
end part of the mower side duct 21 (near the communication part
between the mower side duct 21 and the grass collector side duct
22). The upper end of the turning shaft 31 is supported by the
first support 216. The lower end of the turning shaft 31 is
supported by the second support 217. The turning shaft 31 is
turnably supported around the axis of the turning shaft 31 with
respect to the first support 216 and the second support 217.
The closing plate 32 turns to open and close the duct 20. The
closing plate 32 is formed in a generally rectangular plate-like
shape. The closing plate 32 is disposed along the inner face of the
right side wall 213 of the mower side duct 21. The closing plate 32
is disposed that the upper and lower ends of the closing plate 32
are substantially parallel to the bottom wall 212 of the mower side
duct 21. The closing plate also includes a first side end proximate
the axis of the turning shaft 31, and a second side end more
greatly spaced than the first side end from the axis of the turning
shaft. The second side end of the closing plate is positioned
within the duct in both the open position and the closed position
of the closing plate, and the second side end of the closing plate
is positioned within the duct in both the open position and the
closed position of the closing plate. The closing plate 32 is
disposed that the lower end of the closing plate 32 is separated
from the inner face of the bottom wall 212 (that is, a gap g is
formed between the lower end of the closing plate 32 and the inner
face of the bottom wall 212 as illustrated in FIG. 7). A fixation
portion 32a, which includes the aforementioned first side end, and
a bent portion 32b are formed on the closing plate 32.
The fixation portion 32a illustrated in FIGS. 4, 10 and the like is
fixed to the turning shaft 31. The fixation portion 32a is a bent
portion of the closing plate formed by bending the front end
(between the vicinity of the upper end of the front end and the
lower end) of the closing plate 32 rightward and forward. The
fixation portion 32a extends from a remainder portion of the
closing plate and passes through the second opening 215 of the
mower side duct 21 and extends from the inside to the outside of
the mower side duct 21. An outer face (right face) in the
right-left direction of the fixation portion 32a is fixed to the
turning shaft 31.
The bent portion 32b illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, 7, and 11 guides
grass clippings downward. The bent portion 32b is formed by bending
the upper end of the closing plate 32 toward the center in the
right-left direction of the mower side duct 21 (leftward). The
upper end of the bent portion 32b is located close to the upper
wall 211 of the mower side duct 21 when the duct 20 is closed by
the closing plate 32 (refer to FIGS. 7 and 11).
Next, the configuration of the link mechanism 40 will be described
with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8, and 10.
The link mechanism 40 turns the closing plate 32 of the duct
opening/closing lid 30. The link mechanism 40 is provided with a
coupling member 41, an operation unit 42, a biasing unit 43, and a
lock mechanism 44.
The coupling member 41 is coupled to the turning shaft 31. The
coupling member 41 is formed in a generally rectangular plate-like
shape. Both ends in the longitudinal direction of the coupling
member 41 are formed in a circular arc shape. The coupling member
41 is disposed in substantially parallel to the bottom wall 212 of
the mower side duct 21. The vicinity of the front end of the
coupling member 41 is fixed to the vicinity of the lower end of the
turning shaft 31 at a position under the second support 217.
The operation unit 42 illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8 operates the
coupling member 41. The operation unit 42 is disposed at the right
side of the duct 20. The operation unit 42 is capable of
reciprocating in the right-left direction. The operation unit 42 is
provided with a plate-like portion 421, a rod 422, and a grasping
portion 423.
The plate-like portion 421 is coupled to the coupling member 41.
The plate-like portion 421 is formed in a generally rectangular
shape. The plate-like portion 421 is disposed in such a manner that
the upper face (front face) of the plate-like portion 421 abuts
against the lower face (rear face) of the coupling member 41. The
vicinity of the left end of the plate-like portion 421 is coupled
to the vicinity of the rear end of the coupling member 41 through a
coupling shaft. The plate-like portion 421 is turnably coupled
around the axis of the coupling shaft.
The rod 422 is formed in a rod-like shape extending substantially
rightward from the right end of the plate-like portion 421. The
right end of the rod 422 is located near the right end of the mower
deck 11.
The grasping portion 423 is grasped by an operator when the
operator operates the operation unit 42. The grasping portion 423
is formed in a rod-like shape continuous with the right end of the
rod 422. The grasping portion 423 is orthogonal to the rod 422 and
extends upward and forward.
The biasing unit 43 illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8 is used for
maintaining the closing plate 32 with the duct 20 open. The biasing
unit 43 is provided with a spring 431, a first hook member 432, and
a second hook member 433.
The spring 431 biases the operation unit 42. The spring 431 is a
tension spring. The spring 431 is disposed in such a manner that
the expansion direction is substantially parallel to the right-left
direction.
The first hook member 432 is used for hooking the right end of the
spring 431. The first hook member 432 is formed in a generally
rectangular plate-like shape. The first hook member 432 is formed
on the upper face of the mower deck 11 in parallel to the
right-left direction. A notch 432a is formed on the right end of
the first hook member 432 by notching the first hook member 432
leftward from the right end. The right end of the spring 431 is
hooked onto the notch 432a.
The second hook member 433 is used for hooking the left end of the
spring 431. The second hook member 433 is formed in a generally
rectangular plate-like shape. The second hook member 433 extends
substantially forward from a position near the left end of the rod
422 (refer to FIGS. 6 and 7). A notch 433a is formed on the left
end of the second hook member 433 by notching the second hook
member 433 rightward from the left end. The left end of the spring
431 is hooked onto the notch 433a.
The spring 431 is first hooked onto the first hook member 432 on
the right end, and then, in an elongated state in the right-left
direction, hooked onto the notch 433a on the left end. Accordingly,
the spring 431 biases the operation unit 42 rightward by the
contractive force. Accordingly, the coupling member 41 turns in a
clockwise direction (in FIG. 8) around the axis of the turning
shaft 31 together with the turning shaft 31. The turn of the
turning shaft 31 allows the closing plate 32 fixed to the turning
shaft 31 to turn in the clockwise direction (in FIG. 8) around the
axis of the turning shaft 31. As a result, the closing plate 32 is
maintained with the duct 20 open.
The lock mechanism 44 locks the closing plate 32 through the
operation unit 42 so as to maintain the closing plate 32 with the
duct 20 closed. The lock mechanism 44 is provided with a first lock
member 441 and a second lock member 442.
The first lock member 441 is formed on the operation unit 42 to
restrict movement of the operation unit 42. The first lock member
441 is formed in a generally rectangular plate-like shape. The
first lock member 441 is parallel to the bottom wall 212 of the
mower side duct 21. The first lock member 441 extends downward and
forward from an intermediate part in the right-left direction of
the rod 422. The first lock member 441 is located on the right side
with respect to the second hook member 433. A projection 441a which
projects rightward is formed on the lower part of the right end of
the first lock member 441.
The second lock member 442 abuts against the first lock member 441
to prevent movement of the operation unit 42 in a biasing direction
caused by the biasing unit 43. The second lock member 442 is formed
in a generally L plate-like shape. One face of the second lock
member 442 is perpendicular to the movement direction (right-left
direction) of the operation unit 42. The face of the second lock
member 442 is located between the second hook member 433 and the
first lock member 441 in the right-left direction when the duct 20
is open by the closing plate 32. A notch 442a, a first through hole
442b, and a second through hole 442c are formed on the second lock
member 442.
The notch 442a illustrated in FIG. 6 locks the projection 441a of
the first lock member 441. The notch 442a is formed by notching the
lower end of the second lock member 442 upward.
The first through hole 442b illustrated in FIG. 6 is used for
inserting the spring 431. The first through hole 442b penetrates
the second lock member 442 in the right-left direction. The first
through hole 442b is formed in a generally rectangular shape in
side view.
The second through hole 442c illustrated in FIG. 6 is used for
inserting the rod 422 and the first lock member 441. The second
through hole 442c penetrates the second lock member 442 in the
right-left direction. The second through hole 442c is formed in a
long hole shape. The second through hole 442c is parallel to the
bottom wall 212 of the mower side duct 21 in the longitudinal
direction of the second through hole 442c.
Next, an operation of opening and closing the duct 20 performed by
the closing plate 32 of the duct opening/closing lid 30 will be
described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 11.
As described above, the operation unit 42 is biased rightward by
the spring 431. Accordingly, the closing plate 32 is maintained
with the duct 20 open. In order to close the duct 20, an operator
grasps the grasping portion 423 of the operation unit 42 and moves
the operation unit 42 leftward. At this point, the rod 422 and the
first lock member 441 pass through the second through hole 442c and
the first lock member 441 thereby moves from the right side to the
left side of the second lock member 442. The coupling member 41
turns in a counterclockwise direction (in FIG. 8) around the axis
of the turning shaft 31 together with the turning shaft 31. The
turn of the turning shaft 31 allows the closing plate 32 fixed to
the turning shaft 31 to turn by 90.degree. or more in the
counterclockwise direction (in FIG. 8) around the axis of the
turning shaft 31.
The operation unit 42 is biased rightward by the spring 431 through
the second hook member 433. Therefore, when the operator stops
moving the operation unit 42 leftward, the first lock member 411
which has moved to the left side of the second lock member 442
moves rightward (toward the second lock member 442). At this point,
the closing plate 32 turns in the clockwise direction (in FIG. 8)
around the axis of the turning shaft 31 to return to the initial
position (the position for opening the duct 20). The operator
pushes the grasping portion 423 downward to thereby allow the
projection 441a of the first lock member 441 to be hooked onto the
notch 442a of the second lock member 442. Accordingly, as
illustrated in FIG. 9, the right end face of the first lock member
441 abuts against the left face of the second lock member 442. This
prevents the first lock member 441 (and also the operation unit 42)
from further moving rightward. As a result, the closing plate 32 is
maintained at a position where the faces of the closing plate 32
are perpendicular to the conveyance direction (the position
indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIGS. 7 and 10 and indicated
by a broken line in FIG. 9) to close the duct 20.
At this point, the closing plate 32 is locked by the lock mechanism
44. Thus, it is possible to prevent the closing plate 32 from
turning in the direction for opening the duct 20 by colliding with
carrier air and grass clippings.
In order to open the duct 20 again, the operator grasps the
grasping portion 423 of the operation unit 42 and slightly moves
the operation unit 42 leftward, and then lifts the grasping portion
423 upward until the height of the first lock member 441 becomes
equal to the height of the second through hole 442c. Accordingly,
the operation unit 42 moves rightward by a rightward biasing force
of the spring 431. At this point, the first lock member 441 passes
through the second through hole 442c and moves to the right side of
the second lock member 442. When the closing plate 32 turns in the
clockwise direction (in FIG. 8) around the axis of the turning
shaft 31 and thereby abuts against the right side wall 213 of the
mower side duct 21, the movement of the operation unit 42 is
stopped. Since the operation unit 42 is biased rightward by the
spring 431, the closing plate 32 is maintained with the duct 20
open.
In this state, the spring 431 constantly biases the closing plate
32 through the operation unit 42 in a direction for allowing the
closing plate 32 to abut against the side wall 213. Thus, it is
possible to prevent swing (flapping) of the closing plate 32.
Further, since the spring 431 biases the closing plate 32 in the
direction for opening the duct 20, it is possible to easily open
the duct 20.
Next, the flow of grass clippings when the duct 20 is open by the
closing plate 32 will be described. Grass clippings are conveyed
from the mower 10 to the grass collector 50 through the duct 20
(the mower side duct 21 and the grass collector side duct 22). As
described above, the turning shaft 31 is disposed on the outer side
of the duct 20. Therefore, the grass clippings can be conveyed to
the grass collector 50 without being obstructed by the turning
shaft 31.
Next, the flow of grass clippings when the duct 20 is closed by the
closing plate 32 will be described. Grass clippings are conveyed
from the mower 10 to the mower side duct 21. Since the conveyance
path for grass clippings is closed by the closing plate 32, the
flow of carrier air in the conveyance direction of grass clippings
is blocked. Thus, grass clippings are not sufficiently guided into
the duct 20. Even if grass clippings are guided into the duct 20,
the grass clippings collide with the closing plate 32 and are
thereby returned forward (toward the mower 10 side). The grass
clippings that have been returned forward are discharged to the
outside from the lower side of the mower deck 11.
In this state, the bent portion 32b formed on the upper end of the
closing plate 32 is bent in a direction opposite to the conveyance
direction of grass clippings (refer to FIG. 11). Grass clippings
conveyed through the upper part of the mower side duct 21 are
guided in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction by the
bent portion 32b. Specifically, the grass clippings are guided
downward (toward the mower 10 side) by the bent portion 32b.
Accordingly, it is possible to facilitate discharge of the grass
clippings to the outside from the lower side of the mower deck
11.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, the gap g is maintained between the lower
end of the closing plate 32 and the inner face of the bottom wall
212. Some of the grass clippings that have been conveyed to the
rear side of the closing plate 32 may be accumulated on the bottom
wall 212 of the mower side duct 21 and the bottom wall 222 of the
grass collector side duct 22 without flowing to the grass collector
50. The accumulated grass clippings obstruct the turn of the
closing plate 32. In the grass cutter 1 of the present embodiment,
the grass clippings can be actively returned forward (toward the
mower 10 side) through the gap g. Therefore, it is possible to
allow the closing plate 32 to constantly and smoothly turn.
For example, although the turning shaft 31 is disposed along the
outer face of the right side wall 213 of the mower side duct 21 and
the closing plate 32 is disposed along the inner face of the right
side wall 213 of the mower side duct 21 (when the duct 20 is open)
in the present embodiment, the disclosure is not limited to this
configuration. For example, the turning shaft 31 may be disposed
along the outer face of the left side wall 213 of the mower side
duct 21 and the closing plate 32 may be disposed along the inner
face of the left side wall 213 of the mower side duct 21 (when the
duct 20 is open).
Although the operation unit 42 is disposed on the right side of the
duct 20 in the present embodiment, the disclosure is not limited to
this configuration. For example, the operation unit 42 may be
disposed on the left side of the duct 20.
Although the duct 20 obliquely extends upward and rearward in the
present embodiment, the disclosure is not limited to this
configuration. For example, the duct 20 may horizontally extend
rearward.
Although the link mechanism 40 is coupled to the turning shaft 31
in the present embodiment, the disclosure is not limited to this
configuration. For example, the link mechanism 40 may be coupled to
the closing plate 32.
Although the lock mechanism 44 locks the operation unit 42 in the
present embodiment, the disclosure is not limited to this
configuration. For example, the lock mechanism 44 may lock the
turning shaft 31 or the closing plate 32.
Although the biasing unit 43 biases the operation unit 42 using the
spring 431 in the present embodiment, the disclosure is not limited
to this configuration. For example, the biasing unit 43 may bias
the operation unit 42 by magnetic force.
* * * * *